Meatless May: Grilled Smoked Mozzarella Salad

Whether you grill the mozzarella on your stove top – or your BBQ, a piping hot grill pan will ensure crispy outsides and gooey centres – exactly what you want for this salad.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb smoked mozzarella
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 6 cups packed baby arugula
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. In large bowl, toss mozzarella slices with 2 tablespoons oil. Pour panko into large shallow dish. Press mozzarella slices into panko to coat both sides; place on small cookie sheet. Freeze 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cut grape tomatoes into halves. Tear basil leaves.
3. Oil a large grill pan (or coat your BBQ with oil); heat on medium-high until hot but not smoking. Place cheese slices on pan. Cook 2 minutes or until crumbs are golden and grill marks appear. With thin spatula, turn cheese slices over. Cook another 2 minutes. Transfer to large platter or cutting board.
4. In large bowl, toss arugula with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, basil, remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve cheese slices over salad.

Recipe from delish.com.

Rather cook this outside? Check out our outdoor kitchens.